992 Pak J Med Sci 2009 Vol. 25 No. 6 www.pjms.com.pk Original Article AWARENESS AND PRACTICES REGARDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG CURRENTLY MARRIED MALES AND FEMALES IN A RURAL DISTRICT OF SINDH Imdad A. Khushk 1 , Bakhtyar A. Shah 2 , Razia M.Abbasi 3 , Masood A. Mahesar 4 , Rukhsaar A. Shahani 5 ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the levels of awareness and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a Rural District of Sindh – Pakistan. Methodology: It was a cross – sectional survey conducted in Taluka Khipro, District Sanghar-Sindh during June 2004 in fifteen villages. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire by trained local male and female workers who interviewed door to door. A total of 116 currently married males and females were interviewed. Result s : Majority of males 34(29%) were in 25-29 years age group, while among females 32 (28%) fell in 20-24 years age group. Majority of males i.e. 79 (68%) and females 108(93%) was not educated. Only 36(31%) males or females knew symptoms of STIs like vaginal discharge, discharge from urethra and back pain. Twenty-five (22%) males and 12(10%) females reported that “ only wife can have sexual disease” . Two (2%) females shared that both (male and female) can have Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), AIDS and Hepatitis C. Male respondents (72%) knew different symptoms of STIs. Maj ority of males (78%) and females (51%) were aware about Hepatitis B and C infections. Majority of respondents had never heard about AIDS. Only 4% males were of the view that it spreads by inappropriate sexual relation. Sixty married females (52%) had knowledge about any contraceptive method. No subject (male or female) reported having ever used any contraceptive method. Conclusion: This study depicts poor picture of a rural population in awareness and practices regarding STIs in particular and reproductive health in general in the target area. This was a limited study and to further explore reproductive health issues in rural areas, studies with larger sample size and stronger statistical evidence are required. KEY WORDS : Sexually Transmitted Infections, Awareness, Behaviour, AIDS, Contraception. Pak J Med Sci October - December 2009 (Part-II) Vol. 25 No. 6 992-996 How to cite this article: Khushk IA, Shah BA, Abbasi RM, Mahesar MA, Shahani RA. Awareness and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among currently married males and females in a rural district of Sindh. Pak J Med Sci 2009;25(6):992-996. Correspondence Dr. Imdad A. Khushk Faculty of Medicine & Allied Medical Sciences Isra University Hyderabad, Sindh – Pakistan Email: imdadkhushk@yahoo.com * Received for Publication: June 19, 2009 * Revision Received: September 29, 2009 * Accepted: October 2, 2009 INTRODUCTION Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. It requires positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, the possibility of having pleasurable and safe